New dental clinic and expanded Meals on Wheels HQ approved for Albany

13/2/95

Health Minister Graham Kierath today announced a double bonus for the people of Albany, with approval for the development of a new dental clinic and an expanded headquarters for the local Meals on Wheels group.

Mr Kierath said the existing dental clinic, which had been owned by the Western Australian Health Department since 1961, was more than 30 years old and in need of extensive upgrading.

He said the decision to build a new clinic at the Albany Hospital site would provide both a better dental service and much-needed room for expansion of the Meals on Wheels facility located next door.

"The Albany Town Council and the Health Department have worked together to come up with this plan and the people of Albany should be pleased with the double dividend," Mr Kierath said.

He said the Health Department had set aside $390,000 of its existing budget to fund the new clinic.

The Albany Town Council would also contribute to the project by officially buying the clinic land at an agreed valuation.

Mr Kierath applauded a decision by State Cabinet which allowed the sale proceeds of the clinic land to be redirected into the provision of a new facility.

The new clinic is expected to start operating in early 1996.

Media contact:   Brian Coulter 222 9595 /  481 2133